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And Rowett suggested his Blues-past could work against him unless he hits the ground running."He is already in the city isn't he? I think he has been commuting up to Hull so I'm sure his car is happy he's joining Villa - possibly his missus, I don't know,"

Rowett said."I know our fans would like me to denigrate anything our neighbours do and try to pour cold water on anything they will do.

"But I think Steve is a good appointment, a really solid appointment for them. He knows the Championship inside out.

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"I am sure his experience of getting out of this division will put them in a good position but I am also aware - and I am sure Steve will be - that he will have to get some early resuts having been the manager of Birmingham City for so long.

"All of a sudden you could have Birmingham fans cheesed off with you - and Villa fans."That's the nature of the beast, he will know all those issues.

"He's a good guy, I know it's our neighbours and I don't want to wish them too much success - but him personally I think he is a good guy and I am pleased he is back in work."Bruce is set for a relatively quick return to St Andrew's with the rivals due to meet on October 30.